Site Business Leader

First Quality • Defiance, OH

10d • Onsite

About The Position

First Quality is seeking a Site Business Leader for its First Quality Tissue Midwest facility in Defiance, Ohio. This role is responsible for the overall operation of the site and for leading operational processes and improvements that directly affect profitability, efficiency, cost management, quality, safety, customer satisfaction, and innovation. The leader will work closely with division personnel to deliver new business initiatives and align site operations with divisional goals.

The position leads manufacturing functions and maintains full P&L accountability for the site. It also holds ultimate responsibility for facilities, utilities, and security, and works with the divisional environmental team to ensure compliance with applicable environmental regulations. The role develops site leaders and teams, establishes aligned goals, and supports customer-order planning and machine efficiency in collaboration with Planning and Sales.

First Quality describes its culture as collaborative and focused on continuous learning, professional development, and its mission to Make Things Better®. The company is family-owned, employs over 5,000 team members, and has eight manufacturing campuses across the U.S. and Canada.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of heavy manufacturing leadership experience.
• At least 5 years of experience managing cross-functional teams.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment and make sound decisions.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and analyze financial and operating statements.
• Ability to prioritize effectively, use time efficiently, and develop realistic action plans.
• Ability to motivate and develop team members.

Nice To Haves

• MBA.
• Experience in warehouse management, center lining, and SOP development.
• Experience working in a greenfield or startup environment.
• High-speed consumer product manufacturing experience.
• Experience with safety and quality management systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead, direct, and coordinate manufacturing functions, including production, warehouse, planning, engineering, safety, maintenance, quality, and other groups.
• Continuously improve manufacturing processes to improve site performance, workflow, efficiency, and achievement of budget commitments.
• Lead high-performance work team initiatives at the site.
• Maintain a safe work environment, improve safety systems, eliminate causes of accidents, and hold team members accountable for their safety responsibilities.
• Hire, coach, and mentor leaders through regular one-on-ones, candid feedback, and individual growth plans, emphasizing accountability, resilience, and results.
• Set performance expectations, plan succession, and develop future leaders to sustain a strong site leadership team.
• Build and maintain a culture that engages team members in delivering results, outstanding products and services, and a strong focus on safety.
• Implement standards and processes that ensure consistent, high-quality products and support continuous improvement.
• Manage the site's full P&L, drive financial performance, and identify cost-saving efficiencies.
• Work with the divisional environmental team to ensure facility operations comply with applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations.
• Oversee site facilities, utilities, and security, ensuring the physical plant is safe, well-maintained, and capable of supporting uninterrupted operations.
• Establish and communicate site goals aligned with the overall division strategy.
• Work with the Planning and Sales team to determine strategic plans that meet customer orders and maximize quality and machine efficiency.
• Travel up to 50% during the first 60–90 days and travel as needed for internal management and external vendor meetings.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary and bonus opportunities.
• Paid time off, with a three-week minimum.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage starting on day one.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• Paid parental leave.
• Child and family care assistance through a dependent care FSA with employer match up to $2,500.
• Bundle of joy benefit: a year's worth of free diapers for team members with a new baby.
• Tuition assistance.
• Wellness program with savings of up to $4,000 per year on insurance premiums.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director